Emmaus Merseyside’s Seaforth Green is opened for the community

A ‘participation garden’ and community green space have been opened in Seaforth.

The space, to be called Seaforth Green, is next to homelessness charity Emmaus Merseyside, and was officially opened on Monday, May 8 by Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Iain Brodie-Browne.

Other guests at the event included formerly homeless people who live and work at Emmaus Merseyside along with Seaforth residents.

Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Iain Brodie-Browne, said: “The Emmaus project is really inspirational. I was particularly impressed with their emphasis and getting people into meaningful work.”

Emmaus Merseyside supports formerly homeless people by providing a stable home and meaningful work for as long as they need it.

The charity runs three social enterprises in Merseyside, taking in and selling donated and refurbished furniture, household goods, bric-a-brac and vintage pieces.

Phil Gibbon, one of the community members at Emmaus Merseyside who now maintains the gardens said: “We hope Seaforth Green and our participation garden will become hubs that bring the local community together.”

The project to revitalise Seaforth Green has been supported by Sefton Council. Dong Energy via GrantScape, provided funding through the Burbo Bank Extension Community Fund towards the first phase of the works.

Nigel Mellor, chair of Emmaus Merseyside, said: “I would like to thank all of our supporters who have contributed to the creation of the Emmaus Merseyside community and these two green space sites. We are well underway with our growing project and we will now begin to transform the rundown green into an asset for the local community to enjoy, learn and grow together.

“It will provide training and opportunities for volunteers and homeless people to work with the local community groups and schools.”